This shop, DIY Industrial Cooler, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Constellation Brands. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #SummertimeCerveza #CollectiveBias

Today I’m sharing a summer DIY I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I’m excited to show you how to make a DIY Industrial Cooler for less than $7.

This idea originally came to mind as I was thinking about transforming an outdoor planter into a small patio cooler. But, have you SEEN how much they charge for planters? Even my local thrift store is charging $9.99 for basic, unattractive plastic planters! So, I put on my DIY hat and started brainstorming.

I remembered the small cement succulent pots I made for teacher gifts last year, and decided I could scale them up to create something attractive and versatile.

I purchased a plastic bucket and bins from the dollar store as my molds. I mixed up some quick setting cement (I used 3/4 of a 25 lb. package) according to package instructions. I sprayed cooking oil on the inside of the bucket and the outside of the plastic bin, before pouring about an inch into the bottom of my bucket. Then, after inserting the bin and adding a brick weight, began pouring the remainder of my mixture around the edges.

After pouring all of my mixture, I gently tapped the sides of the bucket to help the mixture settle evenly.

I let this dry according to package instructions. Then, once dry, I gently began removing the cement from the mold.

I drilled a few drainage holes on the bottom, and I decided to add few castor wheels with industrial adhesive to make moving this container a bit easier. However, you could also use an inexpensive plant dolly, or forget the wheels altogether.

This is where the small plastic bins come back into play.

To use the cement container as a cooler, simply line it with the plastic bin.

Then fill it with ice and Corona Light.

Don’t forget the limes!

I love that this cooler is small enough to roll from chair to chair, but large enough that you can top it with a small handheld cutting board.

When the container is not in use as a cooler, it can be used as a planter.

Just drill holes into one of the garbage cans for drainage, and fill with potting soil and your favorite plants.

As you’ve probably noticed by now, Corona Light is my summer beer of choice. It’s got a great, full flavor for only 99 calories – which is important during swimsuit season!

With my new cooler fully stocked, all my patio needs this summer is good friends, good food, and some great tunes.

You can save $3.00 on your next purchase of Corona Light when purchasing chips or pretzels. Just head to the Checkout 51 “Beer, Wine, & Spirit” section to get your savings.

 

If you like this post, be sure to check out my giftable cement succulent pots here: